Aspinock Memories
The hard-fought history of Putnam's recreation park
ByTerri Pearsall, AHS Curator
In the early part of the century, the Little River and adjacent land was a popular place where people enjoyed themselves fishing and swimming during the summer months. Four areas along the river were favored spots. One was Stony Bottom located above the park. Another was Tourtellotte’s area (the land surrounding and around the old armory) where the pool used to be located. Good Gill was located below the park and City Point was the area where Rt. 44 crosses over a small bridge over the river on the road to Day Kimball Hospital.
As early as 1901, it was suggested that the land in the Tourtellotte area, that was used to graze the cattle, be purchased by the town to be used for public recreation and as a playground for the children of Putnam. It would take another 35 years before it became a reality.
In September of 1935 a meeting was held at which time Francis H. Murphy, the mayor of Putnam, announced that a campaign to raise funds for a city Recreation Field was in the planning stage. A grant by the WPA (Works Progress Administration), an agency of the government to promote jobs, would provide the funds needed for supplies and workers. The town would be responsible for raising the money to purchase the property from Henry A. Keach for $6,000. Despite an organized effort to raise funds, it only netted $2,000. This matter was again brought up at the annual Town Budget Meeting on March 3, 1936. A discussion ensued regarding the appropriation of the balance by the town.
Headlines in the local paper on March 4, 1936: Packed City Meeting Completely Routs Opposition to Recreation Field Fund.
Attorney William Perry Barber and John Hogan led the attack and questioned the wisdom of obtaining a grant. Attorneys Jean Bachand, Archibald Macdonald and Jack Cronin laid down a barrage of oratory in favor of the project completely silencing objectors.
Thanks to the voters of Putnam who crowded the hall to the aisles and backed up the mayor’s proposal, the project moved on towards completion. The people of Putnam took an interest in the project as large numbers visited the site under construction to note the progress being made.
There were three projects going on at once. A new street from Woodstock Avenue by Delisle’s Garage, where the Putnam Candy Company used to be (Woodstock Building Associates is now in that location), around the base of the hill in the park to Vandale Street. Another street was built from Sabin Street through the park to connect Keech Street; however, we know it today as Recreation Park Road. A new cement bridge was constructed from Sabin Street over the Little River.
The skating rink was built in the early winter and the people of the city enjoyed fine skating. Remnants of the small dam can still be seen behind the old armory.
The plans called for a playground, baseball and football fields and a swimming pool which was formed by building another dam across the river. If you walk around the park today, you can see that they accomplished what they set out to do. Adding new things such as the soccer field and removing others, such as the skating rink.
Back in 1936, when the project was completed, it filled a gap that had been needed since the city limits were incorporated in 1894/95. The people at that time gave this park to their children and the children of generations to come.
Aspinock Memories graces the pages of the Putnam Town Crier to keep Putnam’s history alive.
caption:
It was Tourtellotte park in the beginning. Photo donated to the Aspinock Historical Society by Violet Trudeau.
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